Pirelli claims that the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat is "The ideal choice for Crossovers and SUVs. It is conceived for drivers who look for higher mileage and light off-road performances, without giving up comfort and safety on all road surfaces and in every condition."

Truth be told, despite the "on all road surfaces and in every condition" assurances we didn't expect to be impressed with the wintertime performance of the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat. Those familiar with MinimumTread.com content know that we're staunch proponents of winter tires for winter driving purposes, and this particular all season Pirelli isn't known for its wintertime capabilities either. Add to the mix the fact that roads were snow and ice covered, ambient temperatures were hovering around 0° Fahrenheit, and you have a mix of conditions that overwhelm the vast majority of all season tires.

​What we experienced and concluded is far different from pre-test assumptions. The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat is one of the more winter-capable all season tires we've experienced in seasons.

Departing from our Northern Michigan location we were presented with a standard blend of January road conditions: Hard packed snow, ice, and sections of apparently clear roads with some black ice mixed in (just to keep things interesting…). Our drive from A to B also included elevation changes, so longitudinal traction in snow & ice was particularly tested as the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat had to consistently claw for traction up and down steep grade hills.

We proceeded gingerly at first expecting a typical all season tire wintertime handicap. A few miles later it became clear that we were working with a legitimate winter performer.

Strong snow/ice braking capability was the first, and probably most distinct winter performance attribute we noted. Asking any tire to effectively scrub speed travelling downhill on snow & ice covered roads with a ~5,000 lb. vehicle is a tall order, but the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat managed the task surprisingly well. Under braking the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat felt closer to a legitimate snow tire than average all season tire. Similarly we had no trouble getting going uphill on slick roads.

Lateral traction in like conditions was sufficient, but not quite as impressive. Around slippery corners the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat tends to be influenced by the X5's weight and understeer handling balance, i.e. the front tires are overwhelmed, and the vehicle has a tendency to "push." (A problem that can be overcome by simply slowing down.)

At higher speeds on clear highways the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat proved to be a comfortable and quiet tire. In certain speed ranges we perceived tire noise that tends to become more pronounced as miles accrue, but at the least the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat is totally inoffensive at low mileage. That's more than can be said for many other run flat tires.

​Speaking of, we're not typically big fans, but readily admit that the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season's run flat capability would have been a welcomed feature if we'd experienced a puncture on our frigid drive. It'll go for up to 50 miles at 50 mph with a puncture -- hopefully far enough to get you back to civilization and a service center.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat treadwear grade is in the 500 range (varies according to size), but comes with no treadlife warranty. As primarily an original equipment tire, the lack of warranty isn't uncommon.

And chances are you'll experience the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Run Flat as an original equipment tire. If it is equipped to a vehicle you purchase, our experience indicates that you certainly don't have to be sweating bullets in fear of winter conditions.